Head Chef Job in Oxford OX1 | Immediate Start & Competitive Pay

Head Chef Job Description: Oxford OX1

Our client, a renowned high-end restaurant and event venue in central Oxford, is seeking a dynamic Head Chef to take full command of their kitchen operations. This role is pivotal, requiring a leader who can maintain exceptional standards while driving innovation in a fast-paced, premium environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for a diverse menu, managing a team of skilled chefs, and ensuring the kitchen runs with military precision for both daily service and large-scale events.

As the leading catering recruitment specialist in the region, Catering Jobs connects talented professionals like you with the most sought-after roles. This position offers not just a job, but a significant career step within Oxford's competitive hospitality sector. If you have a proven track record in fine dining or high-volume catering and are ready for a new challenge, we want to hear from you immediately.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Kitchen Leadership & Management: Directly oversee all kitchen staff, including Sous Chefs, Line Cooks, and Commis Chefs. Foster a positive, disciplined, and creative working environment. Conduct regular training and performance reviews to develop your team's skills.
• Menu Development & Cost Control: Design, cost, and implement seasonal menus that reflect modern British cuisine with international influences. Manage gross profit margins (GP%) through meticulous portion control, waste management, and strategic supplier negotiations. Regularly review food costs and adjust menus for profitability.
• Quality & Safety Compliance: Enforce the highest standards of food hygiene, safety, and presentation in line with UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) regulations and HACCP protocols. Ensure all kitchen areas pass internal and external audits with excellence. Maintain detailed records for due diligence.
• Service Execution: Lead the pass during all services, ensuring dishes are delivered to the floor on time, to the correct specification, and at the perfect temperature. Manage workflow and delegate tasks effectively to handle peak periods and large bookings, including weddings and corporate events.
• Stock & Supplier Management: Take full responsibility for ordering all food, dry goods, and kitchen supplies. Build and maintain strong relationships with local Oxfordshire suppliers and producers to secure the best quality ingredients. Conduct weekly stocktakes and manage inventory levels efficiently.
• Collaboration with Management: Work closely with the Restaurant Manager and General Manager to align kitchen operations with front-of-house service, contributing to overall business strategy, marketing initiatives, and customer satisfaction goals.

Essential Skills & Experience Required

• Substantial Chef Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior chef role (Sous Chef or Head Chef) within a high-quality restaurant, hotel, or event catering environment. A formal culinary qualification (NVQ Level 3 or equivalent) is highly desirable.
• Proven Leadership: Demonstrable experience in recruiting, training, motivating, and managing a kitchen team of 10+ staff. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to resolve conflict and maintain morale under pressure.
• Financial Acumen: Experience managing kitchen budgets, achieving GP targets (ideally 70%+), and controlling costs without compromising quality. Proficiency using kitchen management and ordering software.
• Creative Flair & Technical Skill: Exceptional cooking skills with a portfolio of creative, well-executed dishes. In-depth knowledge of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment, and professional plating techniques.
• Organisational Excellence: Outstanding organisational and time-management skills. Ability to create staff rotas, manage multiple deadlines, and plan effectively for upcoming events and seasonal changes.
• Certifications: Valid UK Food Hygiene & Safety Certificate (Level 3). A valid right to work in the UK is mandatory.